Pathophysiology of Alzheimers Disease

Pathophysiology of Alzheimers Disease

Alzheimers disease is a progressive loss of mental function characterised by degeneration of brain tissue,including loss of nerve cells,accumulation of abnormal protein called beta amyloid and development of neurofibrillary tangles.

Causes:

Decrease in acetylcholine.

Check for symptoms:

Forgetting recent events is an early sign,followed by increasing confusion, impairment of other mental functions,problems using and understanding language and doing daily tasks.

People become less able to use good judgment.speech pattern may change slightly.people may use simple words rather than a specific word.they are unable to find specific word.

Prescription contains:

Cholinesterase inhibitors: Donepezil,Rivastigmine,Galantamine

NMDA antagonist:Memantine

Drug and Dose:

Memantine:5 mg bid

Rivastigmine:1.5 mg bid

Counselling on side effects:

Donepezil : well tolerated but can cause nausea, diarrhoea.

Prevention:

Continuing to do challenging mental activities(learning new skills,doing crossword puzzles) well in to old age.